The Forbidden City

(, Main)

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Description

At the heart of Beijing lies the great walled palace compound of the Forbidden City: the palace, its mystique and its history have played a huge role in defining China and perceptions of China. This book offers an amazing portrait of the collection of buildings which enables us to understand the life of imperial China. Built by the Ming Emperor in the fifteenth century as the earthly reflection of the realm of the Jade Emperor - the Forbidden City consists of a series of courtyards that surround the majestic Hall of Supreme Harmony. The life that went on inside this magnificent structure is chronicled in the context of the many characters that shaped its history; from the Ming and Manchu Emperors who ruled in its splendour, to the Dowager Empress who presided over its decline. Nearly 600 years after it was built, the Forbidden City is still undoubtedly one of the greatest Wonders of the World.

Reviews

This Rolls-Royce of a guidebook covers almost every conceivable physical and historical nook...packs a veritable palace of information into its pages...brims with scholarship. * Sunday Times *
A vivid and compelling portrait of this extraordinary attraction. * Sunday Telegraph *

Author Bio

Geremie R.Barme is at the Pacific and Asian History Division of the Australian National University, Canberra. He has also worked with a number of film projects and co-edits the online China Heritage Quarterly.